We had a fantastic turnout, yesterday, to the Private Viewing of the Save Chesterton Art Exhibition. Over 150 VIP's attended the afternoon event - the feedback and comments about the pieces of art displaying Chesterton Windmill were lovely and it was great so see so many of the artists who were displaying their art, often for the first time in public, there to support the event.

Mr Mrs Hurley with their 20:1 scale model of Chesterton — Mr & Mrs Hurley with their 20:1 scale model of Chesterton

The art exhibition has over 25 local artists displaying drawings, paintings, photographs and even sculptures of the windmill including a 20:1 scale model made by Peter Hurley. The exhibition shows that as artists, we care passionately about our sites of heritage and natural beauty. The Save Chesterton campaign has already raised over 2000 signatures on the e-petition and the exhibition has already led to several hundred more signatures - we hope to continue this momentum and raise awareness further.

The exhibition runs at a critical time in the campaign and is open for the same duration that the government independent inspector conducts hearings with Stratford District Council on its Core Strategy for house building which includes the Gaydon and Lighthorne site that Chesterton windmill overlooks.

Lynsey Melville proudly standing with her daughter next to her two Chesterton images

Alan Ranger - Sponsor of the Arts Exhibition with the Arts Trail

The artists in the exhibition have all agreed to donate some of the proceeds of the exhibition to the campaign Save Chesterton and yesterdays event alone raised a couple of hundred pounds. There is also a chance for the public to get involved beyond donating and signing the e-petition with the "Peoples Vote" - Members of the public can vote for their top 3 pieces of Chesterton art and be entered into a free prize draw for a signed limited edition print of Chesterton Windmill.

Personally, I have been surprised that I continue to meet people on a regular basis that are not aware that this beautiful rural location is being proposed for 3000 houses - This was one of the main factors in putting this exhibition on - We want to raise awareness so that the public are informed and that as local artists we really value this iconic site and wish to preserve it for everyone to continue to enjoy its unspoilt views for years to come.

From Left: Peter Reading, Gerry Smith and Alan Ranger

The Arts Trail in Leamington Spa have been fantastic in sponsoring the exhibition and agreeing to donate 50% of the exhibition proceeds to the campaign - They have also been really supportive in helping local artists get their work printed and ready for the exhibition. Gerry Smith - founder of the Arts Trail has a long track record of supporting up and coming artists and helping them to showcase their work so it was a perfect fit for our exhibition of multi art disciplines.

Peter Reading from the Save Chesterton Windmill campaign has also worked tirelessly to raise awareness and launch the e-petition in Sep 2014 - We hope that this month long exhibition will see a steady increase in more signatures and a bigger awareness as local people from Warwickshire visit and hear about our art exhibition.

The exhibition runs until 1st Feb 2015 - 6 Livery Street, Regent Court, Leamington Spa and is open 7 days a week from 11am to 6pm. Please take time to make a visit and enjoy the the wide selection of art.

Leamington Spa Chesterton Art Exhibition - Well Supported

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